Tag Archives: safety

Jun23

Face Mask Festivities: Actual Face Mask Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Face Mask Festivities: Actual Face Mask Edition

Hello!!! My county board of Developmental Disabilities has been doing a wonderful job of educating and protecting all of their employees and the people we help. Earlier in May, a care package was delivered to me that was filled with games and activities to help entertain my clients while in quarantine.

This month, a box of personal protective equipment was dropped off and I was able to divvy up the goods between all of the families I serve. I even got to keep two cloth face masks for myself and Johnny. I was so happy because I’ve been meaning to buy cloth masks for a while but never did because Johnny and I have been using the disposable hospital masks.

I love that the cloth masks can be reused and, while they may seem thicker than the disposable masks, I feel that they are so much more breathable. I also am a huge fan of the paisley pattern on mine! Check it out:

BCCCE1A0-E737-4DC9-A29A-254CF8664A0109610BDD-E5A7-4F2F-A344-739E0A07068C

Normally, I would go for the plain black mask that I chose for Johnny but the bright orange and yellow on mine just made me happy. In fact, I didn’t even mind putting it on when I ran into the store. Summit DD provided me with a lot of pattern options from polka dots and paisley to rainbow and regular, solid colors. Each of my clients enjoyed picking out their favorite and I enjoyed knowing that they had an extra way to keep them safe.

Are face masks the most fun thing to wear? No! Especially if you wear glasses, lol. But, my new cloth mask certainly makes, what I feel is an obligation, a whole lot easier. ❤

What pattern is on your face mask? Do you prefer cloth or disposable masks? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun16

Embracing Your Inner Gym Bunny

Posted on by
Standard
Embracing Your Inner Gym Bunny

While in lockdown, you may have been hankering for your work out sessions at your fitness gym and you now have to make do with some at-home exercise. This will suffice for now, but what about when you can go back to the gym? Times will have changed, and there will be a new normal that you have to adjust to. You will have to remain socially distant, classes may only involve a handful of people, you may need to buy your own equipment, and hand sanitizer will become your best friend. Take a look at why you should *safely* embrace your inner gym bunny when lockdown ends:

The Range Of Exercise:

If you are used to doing twenty minutes on the cross trainer, a 5k run on the treadmill, and pumping some iron in the weights area, then an aerobics class as seen at YouTube.com at home simply isn’t going to cut it. Being able to work a wider range of muscle groups and having the equipment to tailor your workout so that it is bespoke to you is only available at a gym. While you might not be paying your full subscription fee each month at the moment, you will relish having the chance to when you can get back to a spin class and enjoy your HIIT workout once again.

While you are indoors a little more, take the chance to hone a new workout plan for when you do head back to the gym. If you are keen to lose the weight in your arms or you want to strengthen your core, construct a workout plan specifically for these areas using the many free guides available on the Internet.

Gear:

If you are looking to head back to the gym, make sure that you look the part. You want to be turning heads for all of the right reasons, so go to a site like curvesncombatboots.com and check out their achingly cool leggings and awesome tops so that you look amazing when you venture to do some exercise for the first time in ages. Pair your clothing with some new running shoes. While you might not fancy heading to the high street or the mall, there are plenty of online retailers with some excellent discounts at the moment. Take advantage of them while they are trying to encourage more shoppers back to their stores.

Classes:

While classes may be smaller, having an instructor in front of you yelling at you to go faster can actually be inspiring and make you work harder. Finding your mojo at home when watching a YouTube session or when trying to go for a jog outside can be tough. Sometimes, you need that expert to encourage you. Classes range from Zumba to box-fit and from spin to circuits. Each of these classes will help you to shift the pounds and tone up. You will also find that your dopamine levels increase negating the cortisone levels in your bloodstream. This can make you feel more positive, content, and happier in these uncertain times.

Venturing to the gym was something that we used to take for granted. Follow this guide, and enjoy embracing your inner gym bunny in the post-pandemic world.

Featured Image By: Pexels

May30

The Hidden Dangers Of The Daily Commute

Posted on by
Standard
The Hidden Dangers Of The Daily Commute

Before the coronavirus pandemic shut down the economy, many of us used to travel to work. (Do you remember those days?) But even back then, the subject of the commute was a thorny one. Employers expected you to spend large parts of your day sitting on buses and trains to get to the office. And they didn’t usually pay for it (even if it was a necessary cost of the job).

The commute, though, could be more dangerous to you than you think. It’s not just a matter of getting to and from work and the time you lose. It could also be taking its toll on your health.

It Is Hazardous:

Getting on the train to go to work seems like a perfectly normal and safe thing to do. After all, workers have been alighting at railway stations ever since the Victoria era. Trains, though, are hazardous. Accidents are waiting to happen around every corner.

Research suggests, for instance, that the average worker faces risks around 32 times every week when they use trains to get to work. Being packed into a tin can with dozens of other people and having to navigate the step down to the platform is dangerous. The chances of a slip or fall are high, especially when workers are in a rush and their minds on other things. Data from the UK suggest that 1.7 million people have to take time off work every year because of injuries they sustain while commuting.

The risks are even higher than that, though, in some cases. One of the worst New York city derailments of all time, with more than 200 people sustaining injuries, occurred in Union Square in 1991, proving that accidents can still happen on the railway.

It Could Damage Your Body Clock:

Evolution designed humans to wake up with the rising sun and go to bed soon after it sets. Modern working lives, however, disrupt this natural process. We’re no longer in a routine. Instead, we organize our lives around our shift patterns – and they’re not always healthy.

The commute may actually make things worse. When you get on a brightly-lit train or bus in the morning or evening, you send signals to your body that it is day time, and you should wake up. Suddenly, your body releases a flood of hormones designed to perk you up and give you a buzz. When this happens in the morning, it is healthy. But when it occurs at night, it is anything but. You wind up fizzing all evening, and when you hit the sack, you can’t sleep.

dang1

Pixabay Image

It Could Affect Your Cardiovascular System:

Finally, commuting to work could harm your cardiovascular system. The combination of sitting still for a long time with the added stress of being around so many people can lead to increases in blood pressure. When your body goes through this daily, it can lead to conditions like hypertension, which are risk factors in more severe diseases. Standing up more on transport may help.

Stay aware during your commutes to work and keep yourself and those around you safe.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May29

Bath & Body Works Online Haul

Posted on by
Standard
Bath & Body Works Online Haul

Hi! During the coronavirus pandemic, the foaming hand soap from Bath & Body Works has been a godsend. They leave my hands feeling so clean without being stripped of moisture in any way. And, when you’re washing your hands way more frequently than usual, you have no idea how nice it is to have a soap that won’t turn your hands into bright red lobster claws!

I began purchasing B&BW soaps when I moved into my apartment last year and have not looked back since. My boyfriend, Johnny, loves them too and I love being in charge of which scents we pick out! Like all of these ones, when we had to restock online:

C8CB6E18-C22F-4381-9F73-48F54DC13611

Which Scents?

  • Sunwashed Citrus
  • Peach Bellini
  • Shell Yeah (Peach Passionfruit)
  • Stay Pawsitive (Iced Vanilla Cookie)
  • Pineapple Mango
  • Pomegranate Lemonade

Bath & Body Works was running a six for twenty-four dollar promotion on their hand soaps and you just can’t beat that. Of course, shopping online for scents is hard so I just went with what sounded good to me. I had to grab another Peach Bellini because it’s my favorite but I decided to get all new scents for the other five choices.

I absolutely love the adorable marketing on the Shell Yeah and Stay Pawsitive bottles and they both smell awesome. The Iced Vanilla Cookie one smells so much like the real thing that you just want to eat it, lol. I also am a huge fan of tropical/citrus scents, as is my boyfriend, so the Pineapple Mango and Sunwashed Citrus were easy choices to make.

The only scent that I am not thrilled with is the Pomegranate Lemonade. The lemonade part isn’t noticeable and the pomegranate portion is so overpowering and it just smells… Not great. Very old lady-ish, actually, so I definitely won’t be getting it again. But, five out of six ain’t bad and having clean, smooth hands makes one disappointment one hundred and fifty percent worth it!

What is your favorite Bath & Body Works scent? How do you keep your hands from drying out after a lot of washes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May25

Having A Great Day, The Safe Way

Posted on by
Standard
Having A Great Day, The Safe Way

Hi! While in quarantine, there have been many special occasions that have came and passed, including several birthdays in my family and Mother’s Day. Although it would have been nice to have big birthday blow outs and celebrations, that just isn’t possible right now. However, my family always seemed to manage to have a good time, despite the obvious set backs.

For example, for my sister and dad’s back to back birthdays, Johnny and I ordered pizza and we made an evening of it at my parents’ house. And, for my brother’s birthday, we hit up a local ice cream stand and brought that deliciousness home to enjoy. We also took the dogs (and ourselves) for a walk around the neighborhood, too!

While these are, admittedly, tame ways to celebrate someone’s big day, it worked perfectly for the current circumstances. Good food and company was shared between all of the people I love and it doesn’t get much better than that. Also, Pizza Hut… Need I say more?

Although your get togethers might not be picture perfect right now, you can still make a great day with the options that are safely available. My boyfriend’s birthday is a week before mine and, while I have gifts at the ready compliments of Amazon, I am also making him something special for dinner. AKA I’m getting him Outback Steakhouse so he can have that for his birthday dinner and watch WWII documentaries a la Parks & Rec. Like I said, work with what you’ve got given the circumstances!

Enjoy your low key celebrations for now and plan for an even bigger and better bash next year. Stay safe and have fun. ❤

How are you celebrating special occasions social distance style? What is your favorite takeout treat? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May18

5 Top Tips To Help You Stay Safe On The Road

Posted on by
Standard
5 Top Tips To Help You Stay Safe On The Road

Whether you’ve just passed your driving test or you’ve been driving for several years, it’s vital that you stay as safe as possible when on the road. Driving is something that you should take very seriously. Therefore, you should make sure that you’re not doing anything that will risk either your safety or the safety of those around you.

So to ensure that you’re on the right path (or road!), here are the five top tips that you can use while driving:

Avoid Any Distractions:

When in control of your vehicle, you need to make sure that your full attention is on the road. It’s good to turn the radio down (or off), try not to get distracted when you have passengers with you, and to avoid texting while driving, etc.

You don’t want to find yourself in an accident because you were distracted while driving. There are so many implications that could come from this, from physical injuries that prevent you from secure employment to life-threatening conditions. So make sure that you avoid these from the get-go.

Check the Weather:

Before you head out on the road, it’s a good idea to check the local weather report. Rain and snow can cause dangerous driving conditions. So being prepared is vital in these situations. If you have to go out, you need to do it carefully – but if it’s not essential, it might be worth staying at home.

Keep Your Vehicle Maintained:

Another top tip is to make sure that your vehicle is maintained throughout the year. This isn’t just meant in the sense that you should check your oil and fuel regularly (an essential thing to do if you use it every day – for example, if you’re a delivery driver), but that you take it to a local repair shop if you notice anything wrong with it. Driving when there is a problem with it will only be hazardous and end in disaster.

Don’t Rush Yourself:

You should never feel pressured while driving – you must feel calm and collected. If you feel rushed, you might be tempted to speed or your mind won’t be fully focused – two things that can be very dangerous. Give yourself plenty of time when you’re driving anywhere so you don’t get last minute road rage.

Be in the Right Frame of Mind:

Following on from the above, it’s vital that you’re in the right frame of mind when you’re heading out on a drive. For example, if you’re upset or angry for any reason, it might not be the best idea to go on a long drive. Similarly, if you’re under the influence or hungover, you’ll be putting yourself in danger by getting in the vehicle. The latter is also illegal – so avoid doing this.

Finally, it could be a great idea to get extra help if you find yourself wracked with nerves whenever you get behind the wheel of your car. It could benefit you to take some additional driving lessons to get yourself more comfortable and secure. If this sounds like a good route for you to take, simply enter a search for “driving lessons Newcastle” (or your local area) to schedule some time slots. Additionally, talking to a therapist can also be helpful in easing driving anxiety. These efforts will make the road safer for you and every car passing by.

So, there you go! These are five top tips that will help you to stay safe while on the road, as well as those around you or riding in your car. Buckle up and hit the road!

Featured Image By: Cleyton Ewerton from Pexels

May13

Watch Out! The Five Causes Behind Many Accidents

Posted on by
Standard
Watch Out! The Five Causes Behind Many Accidents

Accidents are part of life and you can’t always prevent them. Luck has a strange way of playing a role, and it might just be something you skipped, or someone else did. There are, however, certain aspects of an accident that we can help mitigate. To help you look out for some of the accidents that can do you a mischief, here are some of the most common causes:

Not tidying up:

Are you the kind of person that cleans up after yourself? Or maybe you leave the odd bowl, mug, or cardboard box out of something you got in the mail office. If items end up lying around, they start piling up until you have a messy and cluttered home or workplace. And, while they may not seem particularly threatening, they can be when you are hurrying about and rushing, or you are not paying full attention to where you are going. Seemingly simple things can end up being lethal if you just leave them around for you or anyone else to take a trip, slip and fall over. Pick up after yourself, and immediately, you reduce the risk of injury.

If your fall happened at work due to a spill that wasn’t properly cleaned, out of place machinery, or slippery bathroom tiles you might be entitled to compensation. Fall accident Lawyers specialize in these accidents as well as the damage that they can cause. It is definitely worth researching further for a well reviewed lawyer in your local area to take on the case if a work related fall happens to you. Be sure to take excellent notes about what happened and take photos of your injuries/where the fall happened immediately so you have clear, documented evidence to present.

Not paying attention:

Following on from the previous point, not paying attention to where you are going or what you are doing is a massive factor in many avoidable accidents. Wherever you are, you need to be aware of your surroundings. This is of particular importance in busy areas or on or near a road. Put down your cell phone, take out the earphones, and concentrate on where you are going.

Rushing about:

We all lead incredibly busy lives, rushing about from work to home to grocery shopping, making sure the kids are at school, play dates, extra-curricular classes and everything else in between. Because of this, we may take shortcuts and not take as much care over what we are doing, which is a common factor in accidents. For example, if you are cooking, you might be trying to speed things up so you can get the kids into the bath or help with homework, but this is much more likely to end up in a burn or scald injury – and this will cost you a lot of time in the long term. Slow down and focus on the job that you are doing.

Using unfamiliar equipment or machinery:

We all have done it – used a new piece of DIY equipment or a tool at home or work and not been familiar with it or how it works. Before you use something new, take the time to read the instructions, watch some online tutorials and, if necessary, complete an appropriate training course for the skill like electrical safety training. If it is in the workplace, insist on thorough training before using anything that you are not sure about. Should your injury occur at work and you did not receive proper training, you could have a workman’s comp claim. It’s a good idea to learn how to make a personal injury claim and have a lawyer in mind so you know exactly what to do if this ever happens to you.

Not using safety equipment:

It is so important to use the proper safety equipment at your place of work at all times. This could include steel toed boots, masks, ear protection, or ce certified laser safety goggles. These items ensure your protection and they can only work if you are diligent in their use. If for whatever reason you need to remove one of your safety items, do so in a safe space at work like the lobby, locker room, or bathroom to avoid any injuries.

Not all accidents can be avoided, and they can happen to anyone, at any time, anywhere. However, by knowing the common factors involved in accidents, you are able to take steps to avoid them.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

May13

Why Rats Are In Your House – And What To Do About It!

Posted on by
Standard
Why Rats Are In Your House – And What To Do About It!

No one wants to have rats in their home. Unless you’ve chosen to have them in a cage, they’re not a desirable creature to have in the walls of your house. The problem is that when there’s a rat infestation, it’s hard to be able to work out why you have one in the first place. Security is a must – but how do you secure your home against a rat?

Rats are one of many different pests that can cause an issue in your home. While you research and schedule with Rat Removal professionals, you can begin investigating on your own. If you notice that any of the following applies to your house, it makes you that much more susceptible to infestations:

Your Home Is Warm:

Why does an animal go inside the house? Well, for comfort, warmth and food, of course. Your home is warm, and animals in the cold will make their way into warmer places, especially in the cooler months. Rats come into the house to nest and breed, and that’s not what you want to happen! They can, and will, gnaw their way through your wires and your insulation, which is why calling 000 Pest Control if you notice any bitten wires is a smart decision. You need the experts to help when wiring is involved!

Food:

It doesn’t matter what it is, rats will eat it. They will eat through bread and meat as much as they will leather and fur, which means that you need to make sure that you are not leaving tempting tidbits around the house. The bins on the exterior of your property need to be secure to prevent them from coming into the house, and bags of food in the home need to be secure, too. They’ll sniff it out if not!

Compost:

Compost is another thing that attracts rats to your home. It’s like a buffet to rats and they will make a beeline to your home just to come in and eat anything that they can find. So, it’s up to you to ensure that your compost pile is one that is safely tucked away and out of sight.

Broken Pipes:

If your attic or basement has leaky pipes, you can expect rats to be near. It’s not that they’ve broken the pipes, but that they are attracted by the drip, drip, dripping of the pipes. Rats get thirsty and if you have an open source of water, they’re going to drink from it. You should get the pipes fixed because you need to, but remember that rats are an unfortunate side effect of broken pipes, too.

Ease Of Access:

Your house is a playground for rats. They can climb the trees and get into the attic as much as they can head down the drainpipe and into the basement. Secure your home against the onslaught of pests, and you can ensure that your home remains a rat-free zone.

Rats are not the only pests that should concern you, but now that you know all of the ways that they can come into your house, you can do something about it. It’s important that you protect your home: No one wants unwanted house guests!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar11

Don’t Be That Dog Owner

Posted on by
Standard
Don’t Be That Dog Owner

If you pay attention to the news of animal-loving organizations such as The Dodo or your local animal shelter, you’re probably aware that some dogs have a hard time with terrible owners. Abandoned, malnourished, chained all day long in the garden, this is not what a dog’s life should be about. Thankfully, the world is full of caring people who go the extra length to bring joy and love into the lives of these dogs. 

As a dog lover, you know that you’ll never be the owner who neglects their pup. You love dogs, and that’s why yours gets plenty of food, a warm shelter, and regular walks. But, before you praise yourself for being the best dog owner in the country, you might want to check that you are, indeed, doing everything right. Sometimes, when we try to do the right thing, we end up doing our pets more harm than good. Don’t be the dog owner who unknowingly puts their pet at risk. 

Don’t let your dog be depressed:

You’ve got long days at work. So, to make sure your beloved Rex doesn’t feel bored or lonely, you’ve bought him a few toys. Here’s the thing, though. Your dog, just like you, needs to socialize to be happy. If you don’t take the time to play with your dog in the evening or to let him play with other dogs, you may be endangering Rex’s mental health. Did you know that dogs that don’t receive enough attention can get depressed? So, also consider how you could fulfill your dog’s social needs day after day. We get it: After a long and hectic day, all you want is to sit on the sofa and chill. But spending quality time with Rex can go a long way! 

Don’t leave your dog unprotected:

Rex doesn’t like fences. He can’t see what’s going on. 

You may not want to block your dog’s view, but you can’t leave Rex in an open garden. Your pup is likely to run away. If you don’t want to spend countless hours every day looking for your dog, you need to put fences up. Additionally, running into a foreign neighborhood could confuse or scare your pet. Cities are loud and filled with terrifying vehicles. A panicked dog could run amok, get injured, or even hurt someone. You don’t need your neighbor to complain about getting bitten by a dog, especially when it’s yours. Scared dogs can become aggressive because they believe they are under attack. 

It’s never just a little snack:

Sharing your snacks with your dog is the most natural thing. As a pet owner, you want to let your dog have something nice too. However, your sweet attention may be affecting your pet’s health. Treats should not become a symbol of your love. Too many dog owners are facilitating obesity when they only hope to be kind to their pups. Make sure to control portion sizes and to choose healthy snack options. 

Dog lovers are often guilty of putting their pets at risk without noticing it. Because you want the best for your pup, you can make the wrong decisions with dramatic consequences. The golden rule, when you are responsible for your pet’s health, is to ask yourself how your choices affect Rex’s mental and physical well being. 

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb26

Home Alarm Security Options

Posted on by
Standard
Home Alarm Security Options

Home security is of huge importance today. Below, we are going to take a look at some effective home security suggestions to keep you and yours safe:

Monitored burglar alarms:

A monitored burglar alarm is one of the most effective security methods available from alarm companies today. You can have complete peace of mind that your home is protected at all times, no matter if you are away on holiday or you simply spend a lot of time out of the house on a day-to-day basis.

What is a monitored alarm?

Monitored alarm systems provide communication between your home security system and a central monitoring system. So, if your control panel acknowledges a security breach, it will send a signal to a central monitoring station. There are also police monitored alarm systems, which connect your home security system to the police. With most police monitored alarms, if there is more than one emergency signal registered within less than half an hour, the police will be notified.

Another option to consider is a SMART monitored home alarm. These alarms are connected to your devices, such as your mobile phone or tablet. This means that you will be immediately alerted if there is a breach. When you are doing your research for a new alarm, it is so important to choose a service that provides you with round the clock care 24/7 and 365 days a year. You can have peace of mind with products like the Verisure Smart Alarms for starters or other home security businesses in your area.

Why choose a monitored alarm?

A monitored alarm can give you full reassurance that your property is protected. No matter where in the world you are, someone will be on the scene to ensure any issues are dealt with. Not only this, but monitored alarms can easily be integrated with other security systems, including CCTV and door entry access.

Bells only burglar alarm:

An audible alarm system is one that makes a noise when it is activated. So, if someone unauthorized tries to access your home, a loud noise will sound. This will ensure someone comes to the scene immediately while also warning any criminals off. No one is going to proceed to burgle your home once a loud alarm sounds! This system is well suited to those who live in a busy area where neighbors will hear the alarm. If you live in a remote location out in the countryside, you’d be better off with a different type of alarm.

Why choose a bells only burglar alarm?

  • Excellent burglary deterrent: A bells only alarm can stop your house from being targeted by criminals. Most burglaries are opportunistic, so the mere presence of an alarm can do enough to scare the criminals away.
  • Cost efficiency: A bells only alarm is the most cost-efficient home security method available on the market today. You can have complete peace of mind without needing to spend a lot of money.
  • Peace of mind: Relax in and out of your home, knowing it is secure.

Wired vs. wireless:

One of the important decisions to make when choosing between home burglar alarm systems is whether to go for a wired or wireless alarm. Both have their advantages. Wireless systems are faster and much less disruptive, but the battery will need to be changed regularly.

Use the tips above to keep your home and family well protected today and in the future.

Featured Image By: Pixabay